Stretching, massages and bridge: King's secret to Masters longevity
The ITF Masters 65-90 World Individual Championships ended recently in Mallorca, Spain, bringing the 2023 Masters World Championships to a conclusion. After the event, we caught up with two of the stars of the tournament: ITF Masters legend Roz King, and first-time Grenadian player Sonia Johnson.
King is a serial winner of ITF Masters World Championships. The American, who turns 87 next month, added to her growing collection of gold medals with victories in the 85+ Singles and Doubles events in Mallorca, Spain.
"I have played in every cup event, starting with the Althea Gibson Cup (70+) in New Zealand (in 2007), followed by cups in Australia, Turkey, Austria, Croatia, USA, and Mallorca," said King, who is ranked No.1 in the 85 and over Masters world rankings.
"I prepare all year by playing USTA/ITF National tournaments [and] hit with younger players 2x per week. I do not play matches, but rather practise to perfect my shots."
When you dig deeper into King's preparation, it is clear to see why she is the woman to beat on Tour.
"I stretch daily [and] have deep tissue massage weekly," she revealed. "I eat healthily and play duplicate bridge as a mental challenge away from tennis. I also spend great time with my dogs and cats [in the] garden to stay grounded!"
Onsite at the World Championships in Mallorca, King was also responsible for captaining her W85 American team during the Teams competition. As with her daily routine at home in the USA, King's preparation is meticulous during competition.
"Clarifying with my roommate my schedule the following day is important in order to not be hampered with sleeping, bathroom, eating schedule and transportation. Attention to the body is essential, and requires liquids, massage and private peaceful space. I look at the schedule of play of my favourite high-level players and watch for inspiration and playing technique - patterns that win.
King's vast experience and prolific winning mentality is an inspiration to other Masters Tour players, particularly those playing their first ever Masters Tour World Championships. This was the case with Sonia Johnson, who came to Mallorca all the way from Grenada in the Antilles.
Johnson, who competed in the women's 65+ singles event in Mallorca, is showing signs of following King's rigorous preparation methods.
"Once I decided to play this tournament, the preparation started. So from early this year, when I signed up, I was working towards this goal. I played a tournament in Barcelona, Spain as a warm up and had sessions with coaches before arriving at Capdepera."
Amongst other first-time experiences for Johnson was the court surface.
"I like the court surface, clay, very much. I think I enjoyed that the most as I don't have that in Grenada and it is very easy on the legs."
Most importantly, though, the Grenadian is fully invested in Masters Tennis and is passionate about the sport.
"Tennis is a sport for life and I am so glad to be able to participate in tournaments where your age group allows for great competition. Thanks to all the organizers and sponsors for giving me, and us, the opportunity to enjoy competition into our golden years. Seeing the 80s and 90s players was a real eye opener and joy. I plan to return again."
We are all looking forward to the return of these two inspirational players.